2026 airline guide

Southwest Airlines: check-in, bags & seats

Check-in & Cutoffs

Online window, airport check-in cutoffs, and bag-drop deadlines

Baggage Fees & Size Limits

Carry-on rules, checked bag fees, oversize and sports equipment

Seats & Upgrades

Economy seat pitch and width, upgrade options, seats to avoid

Routes & hubs

Top routes, hub airports, and where this airline flies

Fees & policies

Seat selection, change, cancel, pet, and phone booking fees.

Miles & loyalty

Earn rates, elite tiers, best redemptions, and partner airlines.

Upgrades

How to get upgraded — elite status, miles, bid upgrades, and gate upgrades.

International

International routes, baggage fees, passport requirements, and check-in rules.

Southwest Airlines quick facts

Online check-in opens24 hours before departure

Domestic bag drop closes30 minutes before departure

First checked bag (main cabin)$45

Carry-on fee (base fare)free

Bags fly free policy ended May 28, 2025; Southwest raised fees again on April 9, 2026: first checked bag now $45, second $55 for Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares; Choice Extra fare and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members still get 2 free checked bags; A-List members and RR credit cardholders get 1 free bag.
Southwest moved to assigned seating in 2025 with four fare tiers (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra); Basic fare boards last and overhead bins may be full.
Early Bird Check-In available for $15 to $25 per person, which auto-checks you in at 36 hours before departure for a better seat assignment.

Know exactly when to leave home

The Leave-By calculator factors in your drive time, parking, check-in, bag drop, and security — so you hit the gate with time to spare.

Data verified 2026-06-28. Always confirm times and fees on the Southwest Airlines website before you fly.